Bar Guide 2014: Matador

The Matador is one of those bars that said “Fuck it” at some point in its 43 years of serving Portlanders. And I mean that in the most positive sense. Matador-themed artwork lines the walls, and the bathroom sinks in the men’s room are shaped like hearts. Seventies funk is playing in the background. Tonight’s special is a James Taylor ($7). “That’s Rainier and Fireball,” the bartender says before breaking into a singsong James Taylor impersonation, “’cause I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain.” Just keep doing your thing, Matador. Whether that’s serving $5 pitchers of PBR on “Recession Sundays” or chasing shots of fireball with a pounder of Rainier, keep doing it. JOHN LOCANTHI.